The end of 2024 is approaching. Time for an update on what we've done with Dolphin 3 this year — and what lies ahead.
But first, a look back. Here's the route of the earlier crossing from Terceira (Azores) to the Netherlands:
Dolphin 3: Terceira to Netherlands · 1,650 Nautical Miles · 15 Days
A unique experience — Robert's first major ocean crossing. Looking back, above all, it was a journey in faith development and trust.
"Has he actually ever done a major ocean crossing before?" — "Yes, from here to Stellendam and back."
A great example that God doesn't call the qualified — He qualifies the called. The first attempt was aborted after 48 miles due to water ingress. The second attempt failed after 87 miles when the foresail was shredded in strong ocean winds. But giving up was not an option.
The island of departure is called Terceira — Portuguese for "Third." And indeed, the third attempt succeeded.
13 days of non-stop sailing. From Terceira to the south coast of England. Day and night on the immense ocean, towering waves, magnificent starry skies — all in a 40+ year old boat with a crew of which only one person had done a major crossing before.
This Spring: Time to Go to Greece
After arriving in the Netherlands, the refit began — making the boat ready for another round of service in Greek waters. This spring, we felt the deep conviction: the boat needed to go to Greece now.
But so much still needed to happen… Yet wonder followed wonder. Resources came, people joined, crew for the entire trip volunteered.
On June 13th, Robert departed with his old university friend Henry Smit from Stellendam. The North Sea, the English Channel, the Bay of Biscay, down along the coast of Portugal, through the Strait of Gibraltar, then across the entire Mediterranean…
The complete route from the Netherlands to Greece — through the Channel, Biscay, Gibraltar, and across the Mediterranean
The Challenges Never Stopped
Engine failure at departure. A near-grounding on a sandbank. An engine alarm forced a diversion to Dunkirk. After crossing the North Sea in 7 Beaufort winds, they couldn't make the Channel entrance and sheltered in Dover. Then through to Northern Spain in one push — more 7 Beaufort in Biscay — until the engine died completely just outside A Coruña harbor.
Henry disembarked here, and two new crew members joined: Ernst van Wenisch from Hellevoetsluis and Jonathan Swift, an American missionary.
Protected by Dolphins in Orca Territory
We were especially grateful for the prayer coverage we had — people from America, Canada, Greece, England, the Netherlands. Many prayed specifically for protection from orcas.
The zone of highest orca attack probability — exactly where a pod of dolphins surrounded Dolphin 3
"Dear CCC family,
Yesterday just before sunset as we were approaching the Strait of Gibraltar, hugging the southern coast of Spain with Morocco visible to our right, a huge pod of dolphins came swimming beside, behind, and under the boat, rising all around us.
Several hours later at 3:30 AM, as we entered Gibraltar, we heard the distress call of another sailboat on the marine radio — it was being attacked by orcas!
The dolphins had surrounded us in exactly the zone where orca attacks happen most. Dolphins are known to chase off orcas. This is answered prayer."
Frederik — The Swedish Solo Sailor
When engine problems forced a stop in A Coruña, we met other sailors — including Frederik from Sweden, sailing alone on a beautiful yacht.
He told us his wife had passed away from cancer, and that in her final three years she had transformed — starting her own business, choosing to truly live, despite her terminal illness.
"I'm not afraid to die. I'm afraid of not having truly lived."
Robert shared the story behind Dolphin 3 — a boat donated for mission with one simple purpose: bring Jesus to people and people to Jesus.
The next morning, Robert got up early to see Frederik off. He asked if he could pray for him. Before he knew it, this tall Swedish sailor had his arms around Robert while he prayed — asking God to reveal Himself to Frederik somewhere along his journey. That Frederik would come to know the One who says: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."
They parted with tears in their eyes.
Dolphin 3 Arrives in Greece
From A Coruña, the crew sailed via Cartagena, Ibiza, Menorca, Corsica, Naples, the Strait of Messina near Sicily, and on to Preveza — finally in Greece.
Two weeks later, Robert returned with Danielle and friends Piet and Odiel for the final leg. At the destination, a short ceremony celebrated the safe arrival with a prayer of thanksgiving.
Left: Jonathan Macris welcomes Dolphin 3. Right: Robert's 86-year-old mother watches from the dock.
A prayer of thanksgiving for the safe arrival — dedicating the boat and crew for the work yet to come
What Comes Next
We don't know exactly what the future holds. We have ideas, but we've learned that our plans usually don't work out — things happen on God's timing. We don't know the future, but we know Him who holds the future and shapes it.
The goal is clear: the boat was donated for mission — evangelism and discipleship. The sailing season is about 5 months, June through October. We want Dolphin 3 to be in active use for as much of that time as possible.
God has already brought a young Belgian couple onto our path — Jeroen and Ilona Cockuyt, missionaries in Greece with their 4 children. Jeroen gives sailing lessons in summer, and together with his eldest son Mateo, they've booked Dolphin 3 for August to evangelize the Sporades islands with groups of Belgian youth.
That's one month covered. Four more to go!
If you'd like to help fill those remaining months — if you have a heart for Jesus and don't mind life aboard a not-so-luxurious but seaworthy old boat — get in touch. We'd love to talk.
Help Keep Dolphin 3 Sailing
Every contribution helps fuel this mission — maintaining the boat, covering harbor fees, and reaching people across the Greek islands.
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